British research1: After interviewing 1,000 people, the researchers -- a psychologist and a self-styled "life coach" -- concluded that happiness equals P + 5E + 3H.
In the equation, P stands for Personal Characteristics (outlook on life, adaptability and resilience); E for Existence (health, friendships and financial stability) and H represents Higher Order (self-esteem, expectations and ambitions).
School of Positive Psychology2: According to the School of Positive Pyschology
H = S + C + V
Where:
H = Happiness and
S = Set point: genetic pre conditions and disposition.
C = conditions of living
V = voluntary action
1. CNN (2003) Happiness is a formula. Available at: http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/01/06/happiness.equation/index.html last accessed 2010-02-14
2. School of Positive Psychology: See Martin Segilmann video at ted.com, bio at ted.com